Foot Surgery

C

catwoman

Cathlete
I saw a thread on here a while back about someone else who was getting ready to have foot surgery, and I recall seeing a lot of responses from people who said they'd had foot surgery and were so glad they had.

Well, it looks like I will now be undergoing foot surgery soon, too. I've had bunions for years, but the one on my right foot has never bothered me. The one on my left foot, on the other hand, has been progressively worsening for a few years now, and the doctor today said it is what is considered a "moderate" bunion that will require surgery to correct. It's to the point that wearing dress shoes leaves me barely able to walk if I've been on my feet for any length of time. My problem is compounded by the fact that the bone that runs along the top of the foot toward my big toe is being pushed up abnormally, causing even more foot and ankle pain.

So, sometime in August, I think I will have the procedure done. What can you all tell me about exercising after the surgery. Those of you who have also had foot surgery, did you have any problems strength training the upper body? Were you able to do some lower body work despite the boot? If so, would you recommend floor or standing work or none at all? Lastly, I know step and walking/running are out, but I have an indoor exercise bike. I'm not sure if the pedals are big enough for the boot, but would you see any problem with cycling if the boot fits the pedal?

Thanks!
 
My doctor recommended that I get back into exercise with water aerobics. I did that starting 7-10 days after my surgery, 3 times a week for 3 weeks, before I picked up heavy weights for upper body (my water aerobics class did use some water weights). I didn't find them all that challenging (not after Cathe!), but at least it was movement. At the same time, I was trying to just walk, for as long as I could. It took me about 2 months before I could do low-impact step. My doctor was quite clear with me about not trying to exercise with the boot on, and just letting my whole body heal before trying to push myself. Even though the upper body isn't directly impacted by the foot surgery, your whole body is indirectly impacted by the trauma of surgery. So I recommend that you ask your surgeon directly and make you get cleared for everything.

Good luck and take care!
 
i had tendon tear on my right foot.5 weeks crutches. during that time i did weights sitting down. no lower body because it was not safe and unconfortable beeing on crutches,after that two weeks boot,now i can slowly walk but get tired fast. i am in pt now and can only do bike because my foot and leg is very weak but i can follow cathe's Butts and Guts.
the last week of wearing the boot i was on vacation at the beach! did not plan on that!!!! :(

laura
 
I've had a bunionectomy, twice on the same foot. Now there are screws and pins holding everything in place. I didn't work out at all until the stitched were removed. As soon as possible I stared wearing a tennis shoe with the laces pulled apart as much as needed. Wearing the boot puts stress on the knees, hips, back, shoulders and neck. I was able to keep my balance much better too. If you have small children you need to make sure they don't step on your foot whether in a boot or shoe. I did not have any problems doing upper body weights. My first cardio post surgery was KPC as I felt stepping was out of the question. Of course, you should follow the recommended quidelines of your surgeon.

Good Luck,

Diana
 
Annette Bethel

I am also having foot surgery for my left foot bunion. Which I think might put less stress on my right knee. Or at least I hope. My doctor told me basically the same thing, upper body and no step aerobics, etc. But I was wondering if I could do ab workout as well? Thanks, Annette
 
I did ab work mostly sitting in a chair. laying down my feet were not on the floor. be careful to put the dumbells where u can reach them-i did trip over them once. i used a stool for upper so there was room all around.i got bored ALOT so sometimes i'd do part of the fitness show SIT and STAND

laura
 
just wanna add one more thing. pushup bars at Target! doing them on bent knees they r just as effective-maybe more!

laura
 
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